GFA postpones Bidesh XI, Cortalim Villagers match at the eleventh hour

Team Herald
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MAPUSA: Bardez football enthusiasts were disappointed once again on Friday as the scheduled Goa Professional League (GPL) clash between Bidesh XI and Cortalim Villagers was called off at the last minute.
This marks the second significant disruption in the league this week, leaving fans disappointed and media questioning the organisers’ communication protocols.
Fans from Bastora, Siolim, Colvale and across Goa arrived at Duler Stadium only to find the gates closed for the match.
They expressed frustration that the Goa Football Association (GFA) failed to inform the public through print or television media about the match being called off.
“We came all this way after hearing the match announced during the Dempo Sports Club and Calangute Association game just two days ago. If the match was called off, why wasn’t it in the newspapers,” fumed spectators Paul and Bosco from Bastora, Hilario (Siolim), Vinayak (Mapusa) and Philip (Colvale).
While Duler Stadium Manager Anthony Lobo stated that he was only notified by the GFA headquarters late Thursday evening. Coaches from both Bidesh XI and Cortalim Villagers claimed they had been informed of the postponement several days prior.
The GFA has not yet provided an official reason for this specific delay. The incident follows the recent abandonment of the Sesa FA and Pax of Nagoa match on January 6, which was called off by Match Commissioner Stany Lobo after teams refused to play due to the absence of a required medical team.
Efforts from O Heraldo Mapusa reporter to reach GFA Vice-President Jonathan D’Souza for clarification on the match scheduling failure went unanswered on Friday.